Liblady

I got my band last Thursday, and have been following this forum as I recover. I went to the age "60" forum, and although there are a few posts, nothing is very current. Am I the only old lady doing this? I'd love to hear from others my age. What was your motivation to do this? What are you expectations? I would like to converse with people my age to see if we're sharing similar or different experiences. We could encourage each other and share tips and advice. I live alone, and I'd like company on this journey=a cyber support group. I hope someone is interested. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dear Chad, I just got my band, and I'm in no position to give advice, but I did make up my mind that if my doctor didn't take an interest, I would find someone who would. Could you change doctors and get a fresh perspective? There are lots of good bariatric specialists in Houston. You might even call and ask who deals with relapsed banders. As far as I am concerned, my doctor needs to be a part of a team effort and the team is comprised of me, my band, and my doctor. If I don't get the results I expect, and I am following the program I agreed to, he need to work with me to help me be successful. Anyway--I just thought I'd give you my 2 cents worth----I hope you get on the losing path again!

I'm really glad to hear about your success. I've been following a discussion where every one seems disgusted and looking at mini bypass surgery. It made me wonder if I didn't make a mistake. Today I ate soft foods for the first time since my surgery. It's clear that I can eat just about anything. There doesn't seem to be any restriction. Is this the way it is until the first fill? I have noticed a change is what "sounds" good. I think I posted somewhere that I am hungry for salmon. That's on the menu for tomorrow. Did you have hair loss? Mine's pretty thin and I can't afford to lose much more. How does it feel to be thin! In my world, 150 is Twiggy-like! Do you want to weigh 120? I can't see myself at that weight and I'm 5'2" like you. Do you know why your weight loss slowed down? Are you afraid of over eating again? Yes, I have lots of questions. Do you ache less--if you ached before-are you better? Give us words of wisdom and thanks for writing. Nicki

Hi Shirley, I think at this age, most of us are having the surgery to try and head off back, knee, foot etc. problems and diabetes. I'm not married, and it wouldn't bother me a bit to maybe have a "boyfriend." I used to think 60 was really old, and now I know different. If you have any questions about my experience, please ask away. I can only speak for myself, but I'll be happy to share what I know first hand. Isn't it funny how our health goes downhill so fast? Like you, I was doing fine until this year when wham--everything started falling apart. I was afraid to get out of bed for fear something new would hurt! At least this way--maybe I can maintain for a few years and that will give me time to learn to dance. I never learned! Yesterday I went a got my hair cut, dyed and streaked. If you can, go out and get prettied up! It will make you feel good and give you a head start to beautiful! Write when you can. Nicki

Hi Islander, I hope that by the time you read this, your pain will have subsided. I think it's a bit of an error to claim this is a "piece of cake." I had quite a bit of pain for the first four days. Actually, I didn't start to feel better until the 6th day when I went back to work! If the pain stays too bad, be sure and call your doctor. Some people on this board have been sicker than simply gas and I don't think too many here are qualified to practice medicine. That being said, I was banded on the 13th and except for the port, I'm all better! I've lost and gained weight over the years too, and I'm hoping this gives me the added push to keep what I lose off. I am busy looking for something to do to take up the time I used to spend planning, cooking, shopping, and eating. I think for me, that's going to be key. I already like having the extra time---and there is a lot of extra time---so I've taken up knitting again, and I'm making cards. I must have a million dollars worth of stamps, ink, paper etc. I've always collected the means to make a craft--like lots of yarn and thread, but I rarely did them. I'm doing them now. I'm also going to the gym. Slowly but surely, I hope to get into some kind of shape. I read too so that helps. On hand I have lots of sugar free jello. I just got hungry yesterday. I had no appetite until then, so I reached for the jello and a little goes a long way. I let it melt on my tongue. I also have sugar free Popsicles, sugar free drinks, and as I can add to my diet, I plan on keeping a lot of "free" foods in the house to curb the cravings. I guess for me, it's about changing my lifestyle. I choose the band because--and this sounds stupid, but I read somewhere that with the band I would be able to eat one cheeseburger and a small fries. For me, that's huge. I never had less than two Egg McMuffin breakfasts, and I never ate less than the supersized burger, fries drink and apple pie. So, if I can get full on a small burger and small fries--that's a big deal. Except, I don't want a burger. I want salmon. I have always believed that if I listen to my body it will tell me what I need. Right now I crave protein. The shakes that made me gag before--actually taste good. I'd be interested in hearing what you're going to be doing to help with your grazing. It's a real issue. Let me know how you're making out. Nicki

Has anyone noticed any discrimination due to their ages? Did anyone try to discourage you from getting the band because of your age? Looking back, I can't say that I recall any discrimination at all. We all have to meet the same criteria no matter what age. Forward on everyone! Hi! I'm glad you found us. It sounds like you're doing great! Personal trainer, going to the gym, losing weight! It's all good. Working with the trainer is a great idea. I did that two summers ago, and then went on my own. Of course, I hurt my knee and now I don't go at all. It's one thing I plan to do after I heal up and lose a couple of pounds, so my body doesn't take such a beating. What's been your overall impression of the whole experience? Be honest, we need to plan for the bad as well as the good. I've been reading some posts, and not everyone is happy with their band. I'm like a loose cannon, because I don't have any restriction right now--so I think everything is dandy. I don't have much appetite either, so that's good. Once I get a fill--then all heck breaks loose. Is that right? I didn't run into any age discrimination at all. The only one who questioned my decision was my youngest son who asked, "Why don't you just stop eating?" To which I replied, "Son, if you had any idea of how hard that is for me, you wouldn't have asked the question." I know this isn't a cure-all, but I need all the help I can get. Actually--I have a friend who is a doctor, and my doctor is my friend. They both told me this might be the only option left for me. So, I took it. Okay, I'm talking a lot about me----you guys jump in here and talk to each other! Good times, bad times, let's talk! Nicki

Good luck to all of you guys and I look forward to being a tall, skinny, somewhat wrinkly old man who can do fun things and perhaps stick around on earth a little longer than I would by remaining fat. Welcome Tom! Your avatar made me laugh hysterically. That's the biggest cat I've ever seen. Do you think we may have an advantage over the younger bandsters? I mean--we're in it for different reason. My knee hurts. My sciatica hurts. etc. etc. I think if you're only in it to be "pretty" you might have a tougher go of it. At least that's what I keep telling myself. Like you, I want to stick around on Earth a little longer--not too many old fat people around. Stay with us on your journey. I think we're in varying stages. I will tell all who are reading this--I went back to work yesterday. I feel better for having finally gotten up and moving around, but (there's always a 'but') when they say, "don't pick up anything heavier than 10 pounds," they mean it. I picked up a box of books(stupid) and now I know exactly where my port is. I don't think I hurt anything, but I didn't do it any good. So, folks, no old heroes--mind your doctors. Other than the usual aches and pains, eight days post op feels pretty good. Tom, thanks for sharing your kids success----very inspirational. Yes, we can do this! Nicki

I was banded on Thursday, and had the pains you described right up until yesterday. It may just take time. What are you eating? I have been living on cottage cheese and Protein shakes. You aren't eating solids are you? Please go see your doctor, and if you don't get satisfaction, get another opinion. Try to relax. Do you have Gas X? You can chew 4 at a time, twice a day. I did--sometimes more. They helped. Everyday I get better. I'm afraid to give any advice--you have to be your own health advocate and make your doctor earn all that money he made off your surgery

It's an x-ray. I think it refers to the Barium swallow. I'd check with your doctor for peace of mind. Then, walk, walk, walk. This is my third laproscopic surgery, and walking is the only thing that helps move the gas out! I hope you feel better soon. Keep us posted.

I know what you mean about fear of anesthesia. I always make sure I have a long talk with the anesthesiologist before surgery. I have had difficulty waking up in the past, so I talked it over with him beforehand. I didn't hold anything back. I asked about his experience. I told him my fears (no fat lady goes into surgery without trepidation). I explained about my TIA. My fear of coming to still intubated. I let it all hang out, and he was very comforting. Once I had an anesthesiologist who came from another country. I don't remember where, but he asked if I was Okay with him being my guy. I asked him, "Are you any good? Cause I don't care where you came from. I only care that I wake up." He laughed, but he told me to ask questions so I do. This is how it went for me. I came too in the Operating Room when they finished. I could hear my doctor calling my friend to tell him I was fine. He also teased me because we had a bet. He said that I had a hiatal hernia and I said I didn't. (I refused the endoscopic exam which was stupid, but I'm not always that bright.) Well I did have a hernia and he won. The anesthesiologist looked at me and winked. The next thing I knew I was in the recovery room. A total of 50 minutes had passed. Within and hour I was getting into the wheel chair and going for a barium swallow. Of course I was high as a kite, and I think I sang on the way, mostly out of relief that it was over. Be sure to ask to speak to the anesthesiologist before hand and you'll be more comfortable. There's always a risk, but the mortality rate for gastric surgery is really, really low. Remember, they do this surgery for people older than us and in worse shape. I hope that helps! I'm 5'1" and weigh 214 today, 6 days post op. This was the first day I felt hungry. I ate a third of a can of refried Beans, and a half cup of cottage cheese. Delicious! I don't expect to lose too much too soon--I'm shooting for 50 pounds within the first 6 months and then a steady decline to 150 or 160. My Twiggy days are behind me. Who's going to be home with you after surgery? Nicki

Hummingbird, Don't freak out. I went back and reread the article. The research only sampled 317 people. I made a mistake earlier. Three hundred seventeen people is a small sample. We don't know the variables. If you are having success, there's no reason for you to doubt what you see on the scale and in the mirror. Congratulations. I'm sorry for the misquote, but the small sample speaks volumes to me. I am looking for more current stats, if you are interested, feel free to email me through the forum.

This study was done in 2006. It followed approximately 600 people, took place in Switzerland, and recorded information from people who had their surgery in 1997-2003. Statistics can be skewed. It happens daily even during legitimate research. It's unfortunate, but it happens. My thoughts are--surely they've improved since then. Did they keep adequate records? Did these people have the benefit of the same education pre-op that we did? How many of these people worked the program the way it's supposed to be worked? (Not saying anything--just asking.) With that in mind. When I did my own research, nowhere did I read that this was guaranteed 100%. I did this knowing I might have a smaller weight loss than desired. I understood I needed to cooperate, but never was I told, do this and you'll be thin. I was given another opportunity to lose--but a lot of it is up to me. Don't let this study scare you. What was right in 2006 isn't necessarily right today. If it was right to begin with. If you want, I can find more stats for you and support both sides of the argument. It's what I do! Let it rest, ladies. It will work for some and not others. We are each unique and splendid in our own ways.

Dear MommaB, As my kids used to say, "Don't be 'fraid." For one thing, you can always change your mind, and for the other, this surgery (if that's what you're afraid of) isn't that difficult. Although the people who tell you it's a piece of cake must have forgotten about the gas. Who would have thought one could long for the expulsion of gas with the same longing as for lost love. (Well, that may be an exaggeration.) I'm just afraid I'll manage to sabotage the belt and then what? Do I go to bypass surgery? Why did you pick lap-band instead of bypass. I'm curious about that. I'm really sorry you're having health issues. I think we all are. It seems to be the major thing that pushes us at this age. It sounds to me like you've got the right attitude--do you think we older gals may have a firmer grip on this journey we're embarking than the younger ones. I have more at stake than fitting into a bridesmaid dress this summer. How say the rest of you? So glad to meet you, MommaB. Nicki

Dear Lovequilts, What mental/emotional things do you worry about? Can you name them? I'm worried that I won't be able to find something to substitute for my love of food--although since being banded 6 days ago--food sounds kind of yucky. I'm really trying to make a list of what to do to take the place of food. This is the thing I worry most about. What are your thoughts going into this? Do you feel like this is the answer to prayer or a tool to help? Not trying to be nosy, but if you lay out your fears in writing, sometimes it helps. That's what I do anyway. And, yes, I am nosy! (sorry girls but I am). Try not to dwell on the unknown too much. We're all here in various stages, so we can probably help you along the way. Hey, you'll be banded on Valentine's Day. What a nice present to yourself! Nicki

Dear Debby, I so love your on-line name. I wish I had thought of it. I wannabfoxy too! I just closed my match.com subscription after two years of getting turned down by old fat men, because I was too fat. I can at least move--some of them couldn't (gee, I think I sound bitter) anyway---I'd be lying if I didn't say that there's a little bit of me that still wants to be attractive. Now, here's the thing--is that stupid at my advanced age? At what point to do we give that notion up--or do we ever have to give it up? The last time I was "pretty" was 40 years ago. At what point during the weight loss process should I go for a "makeover?" (Maybe I should refer to it as an overhaul.) Are any of you thinking about this or am I the only silly one? I know the waiting is long. My surgery was paid for by the VA--well they paid 75% of it, and I jumped through many hoops--so much so that I'm determined to make this work because I've seen more doctors these past six months than I ever want to see again. Of course, I just started falling apart the last two years. Mobility, mobility---that seems to be the constant among us. Oh Foxy--will we ever be foxy again? Maybe we should have a "Foxy-off" contest and see which one of us becomes the foxiest of them all. Heck, I'll be glad if I can walk across the living room with breaking a sweat--but it can't hurt to dream. Nicki

Bo-Less, Please share your blog--or if you're already sharing it, tell me where to find it. You're absolutely right in saying that this is a quality of life issue. My mother is 88 and weighs 106lbs. I looked at her and tried to imagine myself at that age, this weight. It simply didn't compute. I don't know that I've ever actually seen an obese 88 year old. That got me thinking. I might have another 28 years on this old Earth, how do I want to spend them? Unable to walk or do things? No, I think I'll get thinner (not counting on thin) and go hiking for the first time ever. Who knows--I just know this isn't living. I wish I had done this sooner on-the-one-hand; on the other, I'm glad they worked all the kinks out of the surgery before I got mine done. I went in confident (well a little nervous, the term "put to sleep" is a little unsettling) and came out intact mentally and physically. Something I think about before surgery! The pre-op diet is a bit of a drag. I was lucky in that I had two shakes a day and one small low carb meal at night, so it was do-able. However, I didn't have the big weight loss you did, so congrats! Alright ladies, Onward and downward-weight wise! Nicki

Ladies! How nice to come home from work and find your messages. I don't know how to reply all--so I'm going to hop in and out of conversations. This is addressed to all! It's amazing how losing mobility will have you "two-stepping" it into the surgeon's office. Mo Grandma, I'm impressed with your progress both with weight loss and getting to the gym! Like Mo.Grandma, I had my "moment of clarity" when I was at my son's house, and I couldn't carry the baby up the stairs. Well, I could barely get my own big self up the stairs. I've been plagued with a bad knee, sciatica, and back pain which my orthopedist promises will get better as I lose weight. I lost about 40 pounds a couple of years ago doing Atkins. I regained about 15 of those after my husband died, and I could see the path before me, as pounds would creep up unbidden. This Christmas I had a marathon eatathon and ate enough candy covered pretzels to gain 8 pounds over a long weekend. I just plain got tired of it. Now, having had the surgery and returned to work, I think I can see the biggest stumbling block. Like an alcoholic, food was my addiction. What am I going to do with the time I used to spend, planning, shopping, preparing, eating, and cleaning up after dinner? So, I'm collecting recipes and cutting down the proportions to 1/2 to 1 Cup per meal. What are you guys doing? Oh, my name is Nicki. I've got to get one of those cute ticker things to put at the bottom of my posts! Cute--geeze, I haven't felt cute in a hundred years!

It's nice to meet you. I'm sorry you didn't get the surgery you wanted. I chose banding because it can be reversed should I get sick and be unable to eat. I think it was the right choice for me, and like you--I plan to work the band too. The surgery wasn't too bad. I've have two other laproscopic procedures before, and this one was worse than the others, but I think that's because I'm older. If you have any questions I can answer for you, I'm an open book. I've got a 15 year old cat who's my baby. Congrats on the sweetie. I'm a widow and miss my hubby. Maybe I can try again later down the road! Looking forward to hearing from you and others.

Thanks for your response. I was beginning to wonder what I had gotten myself into! I've studied this procedure for a year and have concluded that you have to work on yourself first. I'm trying to remind myself that all I did was choose life over food. If it helps control my appetite, it will have been money well spent. Obviously I can't control it alone!

I just had the procedure done, and I have a few questions. Did you think the band would make decisions for you? Calories are all that matter. Fewer calories in, more exercise, equal weight loss. You don't really have to choose between hamburgers and chicken, but you have to eat less of them. The band was probably doing its job when you had pain and threw up. Isn't that what's supposed to happen when you overeat? I was hoping that the band would help me with portion control. See, I love to eat, but I don't know when to stop. Will the band help me with that? If your doctor isn't getting you to the "sweet spot" have you considered going to a different doctor? Perhaps he isn't the right one for you. It really sounds to me like you might help yourself by meeting with a counselor, and a dietitian to discuss your options for food choices. You could look for recipes for foods that interest you and help you get over your cravings for cheeseburgers. Something as simple as half a cheeseburger with lettuce instead of a bun, might do the trick. I know this doesn't work for everyone, but if you self paid, and you went through the process, and you really need to lose weight for your health, you owe it to yourself to do everything you can to make this work. It will require sacrifice, but gastric bypass requires sacrifice too. So does dieting alone. I don't have any experience with lap band yet, but I have lots of experience with life. You may have issues that you need to discuss with a counselor now while you can eat what you want. Relax, eat, get your head straight and try again. That's all I'm saying, and I say it with caring and respect for your pain. I've dealt with my weight for 60 years and this is do or die for me literally. Work on you first, then your diet. Be still for a while...sort things out, and keep in touch.

Can you share your recipe? It sound great right now! Thanks

I just thought I'd share something with you. Like you, I had hair loss before weight loss. I had a thyroid work up, been to the doctor, and I realize I just have to live with it. I use Joan Rivers "Great Hair Day" to help make my scalp less noticeable, and I use a product called Phyto 9 that I got at Sephora to protect the hair I still have. I'm concerned about losing even more hair now that I've been banded, but I decided losing weight was more important that having a full head of hair. Women usually just have thinning--and don't go completely bald, so protect what you have and try not to lose more. At least that's my motto!